Leading In A Climate Changed World Episode - 10 With Dr Jem Bendell

Are you ready to take a deep dive into the realm of climate change adaptation like you've never seen before? Well, fasten your seatbelts because Jem Bendell, the brilliant mind behind the Institute for Leadership and Sustainability, is about to take us on a mind-bending journey into the concept of "deep adaptation." This is not your ordinary climate change conversation. It's a rollercoaster ride of resilience, relinquishment, restoration, and reconciliation.

Unmasking Deep Adaptation

Picture this: humanity standing on the precipice of an impending climate catastrophe. It's not a pleasant thought, but it's one we can't afford to ignore. Bendell's deep adaptation theory shakes us awake and forces us to confront a harsh reality – our civilization could crumble under the weight of climate change. It's like the plot twist in a blockbuster movie, only this time, it's real.

Traditional climate change adaptation strategies won't cut it. We need to dig deeper, think bolder, and act smarter. Bendell lays it out with four thought-provoking questions:

1. Resilience: What do we hold dear in the face of chaos? What are the treasures of our world that we must protect at all costs?
2. Relinquishment: What can we let go of? It's time to shed the baggage that's dragging us down – be it unsustainable notions of progress or harmful behaviors.
3. Restoration: What can we bring back from our past, those ancient practices that made us more in tune with nature? It's like an archaeological expedition into our own history.
4. Reconciliation: Who and what can we make peace with? It's about mending fences and uniting in the face of uncertainty.

These questions are like a GPS for navigating the uncharted waters of climate change. They're a roadmap to resilience and adaptability.

A Spiritual Odyssey

But here's the kicker – Bendell's journey into deep adaptation isn't just about numbers and facts. It's a spiritual odyssey, a quest to understand our place in the cosmos. It's like discovering a hidden chamber in the temple of life.

In a world where our self-worth is often measured by our impact, Bendell urges us to embrace a paradox. It's about giving your all, pouring your heart into a cause, while simultaneously letting go of the need for specific outcomes. It's the yin and yang of climate action – the delicate dance between fierce determination and serene detachment.

We're talking about the kind of spirituality that's not confined to temples and rituals. It's a spirituality that's alive in the very act of creating, of being passionately engaged with the world, and yet, unattached to the fruits of your labor. It's spiritual, and it's oh so practical.

Hope: A Deeper Dive

Now, let's plunge even deeper into the abyss – hope. It's a word we throw around like confetti at a parade. But what does it really mean? Is it a passive wish for a brighter future? Is it a burning belief that life has purpose, and we can make it better? Or is it a battle plan, a strategy for change?

The truth is, we often use hope as a shield, a way to avoid confronting pain and death. It's our way of saying, "Someone will fix this, and I don't have to worry." But when you strip away the layers, when you dare to explore why we need hope, you'll find something deeper. It's not hope we need so much as meaning, connection, and relationships.

And when it comes to the climate crisis, Bendell isn't selling the same old hope that's been peddled for years. He's candid about the challenges we face. The self-reinforcing feedback loops, the impending climate conditions unfit for human habitation – it's a bleak reality check.

But instead of retreating into despair, Bendell invites us on a quest for meaning. It's about embracing the pain, diving deep into the intimate and the uncomfortable, and discovering a new source of purpose.

Stubborn Optimism: A Balancing Act

So, where does that leave us? Is there room for optimism in this grim landscape? Bendell thinks so, but it's not the reckless, blind optimism that leads to desperate, potentially harmful attempts to control the situation.

No, it's a different breed – what Christiana Figueres calls 'stubborn optimism.' It's the kind that says, "Yes, the odds are stacked against us, but miracles can happen when we refuse to accept defeat."

Bendell's brand of optimism isn't a disregard for the challenges. It's about balancing hope with the harsh realities we face. It's about preparing for the impact of climate change, understanding that food shortages, anxiety, and disruptions are coming, and meeting them with a bold adaptation agenda.

Optimism, in this context, can't be elitist. It must be inclusive and compassionate, a force that unites rather than divides.

The Age-Old Wisdom of the Young

But it's not just about optimism; it's about generational wisdom. Bendell challenges the idea that a meaningful life is measured by the number of years we spend on this Earth. He suggests a radical overhaul of the education system, one that nurtures curiosity and adaptability.

Greta Thunberg's activism is inspiring, but it's not enough to place the burden of fixing the world's problems on the shoulders of the young. Instead, Bendell calls for a collective effort to empower our children to learn what they need for an uncertain future.

Blaming older generations won't solve the environmental crisis. It's a call for forgiveness and a deep examination of the root causes of our predicament. It's a return to the wisdom of the past to create a more sustainable future.

Leading Together

In Bendell's world, leadership is not a badge of honor; it's an act of service. It's about collective leadership, where anyone can step up and lead. It's a departure from traditional leadership, which often leads to blame and inaction.

This kind of leadership embraces inclusivity, emotional sharing, and a shift away from the old, patriarchal norms. It celebrates the grassroots leaders – the unsung heroes who volunteer their time to make a difference.

It's not an entirely new concept. Bendell points to pioneers like Joanna Macy and John Doyle, who challenge the status quo. But for many, this new approach to leadership is a leap out of their comfort zones, a move away from the identities they derive from their current roles.

In a world grappling with deep adaptation challenges, this new leadership style is not just a choice; it's a necessity.

A New Political Discourse

In the grand finale, Bendell raises the flag of political transformation. He speaks of compassion, fundamental economic shifts, and the need to decarbonize our world. It's a rallying cry for a new kind of politics, one that speaks to the heart and soul of humanity.

As we delve into the world of the Deep Adaptation Forum, Bendell shows us the power of conscious relating, a way to express ourselves without judgment. It's a technique that can transform how we interact and engage in discussions about our future.

And last but not least, Bendell encourages deep adaptation dialogues in communities worldwide. It's not just about action; it's about